Ultra Compact Individual Weapon (UCIW)

Around 2010/2011, British Special Forces held trials to select a compact weapon for specialised use by United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) troops. They were looking for a 5.56x45mm NATO-chambered weapon with a maximum length of of 22 inches / 55.8cm. The design was to be designated as the Special Forces Ultra Compact Individual Weapon (UCIW).

Several arms manufacturers submitted designs for the UCIW trials. LWRC International, a U.S. company, eventually won the UKSF UCIW contract, seeing off competition from others such as Heckler & Koch, who offered the HK41C, a compact version of the HK416.

The LWRC International UCIW is a highly compact variant of the tried and tested Colt M16 design. It is an even smaller version of the M16 than the L119A2 carbines employed by UKSF. The M16 design features a buffer tube that extends to the rear,inside the stock. The length of this tube puts a lower limit on the length of stocks that can be used, and hence, the overal length of the gun. The UCIW gets around this limitation by using a custom shortened buffer tube and action spring design that enables reliable cycling of 5.56x45mm NATO rounds while allowing for a very short overall length. The weapon features a 7-inch barrel. With the stock fully collapsed the UCIW is only 22 inches long.

The LWRCI UICW is about as compact as an MP5 9x19mm sub-machine gun but carries the punch of the 5.56x45mm NATO round. Another advantage of using a M16-based design is that UKSF soldiers have already developed muscle-memory from operating their M16-based L119A2 carbines. The UICW is small enough to be carried concealed in a backpack or under some types of jacket.

photo: LWRCI

Accessory rails allow for the mounting of scopes, grips, lights and laser devices. Suppressors can be used if required. UCIWs spotted being carried by UKSF in Afghanistan have featured Surefire suppressors and either Aimpoint Micro red dot or EO Tech holographic sights.[1]

The UICW is designed to used by UKSF soldiers working in specialist tasks such as close protection and covert reconnaissance. Its compact size means it may be carried by UKSF dog handlers, signallers, medics and those operating in vehicles.